Saturdays Unfiltered

College football. No filter. No network notes.

[Saturdays Unfiltered @SaturdaysUF]

#3 — Oregon at USC

There’s a ton riding on this game for both teams.

Oregon absolutely cannot afford another loss. They’ve already lost to an unranked Oklahoma State team, and they could very easily be 1–2 after barely escaping Boise State.

But USC hasn’t exactly looked dominant either. They’re undefeated, but I’m still not convinced they’re as good as their record says.

And if USC loses at home to an Oregon team that’s already shown some serious weaknesses, suddenly that 4–0 start doesn’t look nearly as impressive.

This feels like a prove-it game for both teams. Oregon needs to show they’re still a contender, and USC needs to show they actually are one.

That’s why this is my #3 game of the week.

[Saturdays Unfiltered @SaturdaysUF]

Right? I feel like he’s the exact same player he was two years ago. He hasn’t gotten worse, but I haven’t seen any real progression either. And now defenses know exactly what they’re getting with him. A&M’s schedule helped them tremendously last year. They don’t have that luxury this year.

[Saturdays Unfiltered @SaturdaysUF]

Texas A&M’s ceiling with Marcel Reed at QB is 9–3.

He’s a dangerous runner and a hell of an athlete, but I still don’t trust him when A&M has to win through the air.

59.6% completions and 6.1 yards per attempt through three games isn’t changing my mind.

Good athlete. Good QB. Not a championship QB.

[Saturdays Unfiltered @SaturdaysUF]

@LFTGCFB I’m gonna laugh if northwestern wins

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@walkonredshirts I wouldn’t be surprised at all

[Saturdays Unfiltered @SaturdaysUF]

#4 — Iowa at Michigan

This is one of those games where we’re going to learn a lot about both teams.

I’ve got questions about Michigan. I think Bryce Underwood is overrated, they still haven’t established an offensive identity, and their offensive line is shit.

But I’ve got questions about Iowa too — are they actually as good as they’ve looked?

Their defense comes in ranked #1 in the country, allowing just 176.7 yards per game and 13 total points. Their offensive line has allowed only one sack, and they can run the football.

The matchup I’m watching is Iowa’s offensive line against Michigan’s defensive line. If Iowa can hold up there and establish the run, we’re going to find out very quickly whether what they’ve done through three weeks is for real.

Saturday should tell us a hell of a lot about both of these teams.

[Saturdays Unfiltered @SaturdaysUF]

@TopTierStateX I think with that schedule it’s definitely possible, just not probable

[Saturdays Unfiltered @SaturdaysUF]

@TopTierStateX Out of these teams? Iowa or Louisville. But I don’t think either actually can

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@redzone_cfb @UpdogSportsTalk Shoot I’m still the OC at western Michigan 😂

[Saturdays Unfiltered @SaturdaysUF]

#5 — Texas A&M at LSU

Neither one of these teams can afford to lose this game.

Both are 2–1, both are coming off losses, and whoever leaves Death Valley at 2–2 is going to be in a massive hole.

And the biggest question I have with both teams is quarterback.

I’ve said since before the season that I don’t think Marcel Reed is good enough to take A&M where they want to go. I was higher on Sam Leavitt because I thought Kiffin could elevate his game, but through three weeks, I haven’t seen it.

Both quarterbacks have something to prove this week, and there’s a ton of pressure on both sides after what happened last Saturday.

For both of these teams, Saturday night is a must-win.

[Saturdays Unfiltered @SaturdaysUF]

My Top 5 Games of Week 4 👀

This week is absolutely loaded.

Texas walking into Neyland. Ole Miss getting tested in the Swamp. Oregon–USC. Iowa–Michigan. And two desperate teams meeting in Death Valley.

These are the five games I’m watching closest this Saturday.

What game are you most looking forward to?

[Saturdays Unfiltered @SaturdaysUF]

@redzone_cfb @WMU_Football @BroncoSportsFB @LFTGCFB @UpdogSportsTalk @SSN_BoiseState @CSG_BoiseState @TopTierG6 @BarstoolWMU @SSN_WMU @CSG_WMU @GroupOfFiveGuys @TheHerdBros @Pac12Central @bythebelt I am slightly jealous

[Saturdays Unfiltered @SaturdaysUF]

I agree. My other take on these two teams: I don’t think either starting QB is the guy who can take them to the playoff.

I’ve been saying it since before the season — Marcel Reed isn’t good enough to win a championship. I was a little higher on Leavitt because I thought Kiffin could elevate his game, and so far I’ve been wrong about that.

LSU is the more interesting situation to me because I think Landen Clark could eventually be that guy.

[Saturdays Unfiltered @SaturdaysUF]

@rjchoppy What about next year when Trinidad isnt there anymore? LSU is a massive upgrade from ole Miss. this year? No. But overall? It’s not even close

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@KicknitWTheGrid I just posted it about 5 minutes ago lol

[Saturdays Unfiltered @SaturdaysUF]

My Top 25 after Week 3.

At this point, I’m done caring where teams were ranked in the preseason. I’m ranking what they’ve actually shown on the field.

Ole Miss moves into my top 5 after beating LSU. Mississippi State keeps climbing after going on the road, overcoming a 16-point deficit and beating South Carolina. And Kentucky absolutely earned its way into my Top 25 after walking into Kyle Field and beating #9 Texas A&M.

LSU takes a big hit. I still think they’re a very talented football team, but eventually the résumé has to matter more than what I think a team can be.

There are definitely some rankings here people are going to hate — good.

Tell me which one I got wrong and why.

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@Adam_Bradford14 If SC was good, they’d have game day 🤷🏻‍♂️

[Saturdays Unfiltered @SaturdaysUF]

@JonScast Oklahoma and Oregon definitely out. A&M should still be in. But like 24 or 25. I think xx Kentucky should be in around 21-22

[Saturdays Unfiltered @SaturdaysUF]

@walkonredshirts Shit my back hurt just watching this